With consumers pretty much passing on their all-electric EQ lineup and the sudden shift in preferences to more hybrids and plug-in hybrids, Mercedes-Benz needed to make some changes. Previous hybrid applications focused more on performance than efficiency, but that is no longer the case as evidenced by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e. Has Mercedes’ plug-in hybrid cracked the code to compete with the likes of Lexus and Volvo?

First impressions

Mercedes lost their way with their interiors over the last few years, namely with build quality. Complaints over creaks, groans, and rattles were plentiful, even in vehicles pushing over the six-figure mark. But I get the sense that Mercedes-Benz has been listening: this 2025 GLC 350e feels more solid, the materials feel good-quality, and I didn’t pick up on any unwanted squeaks or rattles.

Like all modern Mercedes products, expect large screens and haptic controls on the steering wheel. It screams technology for the sake of technology. Old-school Mercedes customers may feel overwhelmed, but spend some time behind the wheel mastering the learning curve and it becomes quite easy to navigate. The ambient lighting isn’t up to everyone’s tastes around the office but I think it looked fantastic, and the Burmester surround-sound system is a treat. I kept it cranked for most of the week; it’s one of the best sound systems in the business. There is ample space up front, but squeezing in two six-foot-plus adults in the rear will be tight, as this is no GLE. Cargo space is 470 liters behind the second row with the seats up, growing to a very usable 1,530 L when folded.

From the outside, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e looks like a regular GLC. That’s not a mistake. Mercedes’ dedicated EQ lineup didn’t resonate with consumers for many reasons, including styling. This GLC 350e is a safe bet, looking nearly identical with clean, simple, and sleek lines that work. It’s not needlessly outlandish like the EQ vehicles.

Our tester had the optional $3,900 AMG Line package that added GLC 43-inspired front and rear fascias, the three-pointed star all over the grille, and a few more interior bits. Optional 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels add an extra bit of pizzazz for another $1,100. The only giveaways that the GLC 350e isn’t your run-of-the-mill, gas-only GLC are the badges and the charging port.

Driving impressions, fuel economy, and range

As a plug-in hybrid, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e faces stiff competition. Competitors like the Lexus NX 450h+ and Volvo XC60 T8 have been at the plug-in game for much longer. Spending a week behind the wheel has been quite revealing—in terms of electric-only range, the GLC 350e is an absolute winner. Mercedes rates the GLC 350e at 84 kilometres of EV range, but I regularly saw over 90 km available from a full charge, and could easily commute to and from work in EV mode without having to charge at the office every day. And being a plug-in hybrid, I could zip past traffic using the carpool lanes alone. By the end of the week, I achieved a very impressive 2.8 L/100 km, easily surpassing my experience with the XC60.

But the XC60 is a lot faster in a straight line. Where the GLC 350e faces a challenge is its acceleration. It may be rated at 313 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque combined, but the additional 400 kilograms of weight from the hybrid running gear means the 350e is the slowest of the GLC lineup. The gas-only GLC 350, with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque will do a zero-to-100 km/h run in 6.2 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz, while the GLC 350e is timed at 6.7 seconds. Yes, really. And while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e isn’t swift off the line, it’s well-behaved. The nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly, the cabin is very well-isolated from wind and road noise, and the ride is very smooth and well-controlled even with the 20-inch wheels.

Is the GLC 350e worth it?

The 2025 GLC 350e starts at $64,900, which is about $5,000 more than the non-hybrid version. This is competitive in the segment but loaded up like our tester, you’re looking at $81,250 as-tested. For consumers looking at a luxury compact crossover and want to save money at the pump, but aren’t quite ready to go all-in with an EV, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-350e is one of the best options available on the market. It looks classy, offers fantastic fuel efficiency, and provides a luxurious interior that suits the Mercedes brand. It could be faster, but hey, nothing in life is perfect.